Child Found Walking Down Santa Cruz Street Naked

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A Hartford police officer under investigation for the beating of a suspect took his first steps toward retiring.

Updated at 6:30 PM PDT on Tuesday, Jun 8, 2010

The father of a 2-year-old girl found naked walking down a Santa Cruz street Monday afternoon was arrested when officers went to his home and allegedly found him trying to conceal heroin, police said today.

An officer went to Barson and Jessie streets at about 12:30 p.m. when a neighbor reported finding a naked young child walking alone, police said. The neighbor had given the girl a blanket.
After determining where the girl lived in the 200 block of Jessie Street, the officer took her home and met with her father, 25-year-old Antonio Silva Villa. As he was being interviewed, police allegedly witnessed Villa attempt to conceal something from officers.
Investigators determined he was concealing heroin as well as drug paraphernalia, including hypodermic syringes, baggies and spoons, police said.
Officers found another juvenile asleep near where the paraphernalia was found in the home, according to police.
Villa was arrested for possession of a controlled substance, possession of drug paraphernalia and child endangerment, police said. Child Protective Services was contacted to ensure the safety of the two children.